Field Point Size Chart

Who didn't get confused by all the numbers concerning the inner diameter of the arrow shaft and the size of the field points that should fit with it? Do not worry, you are not alone in this situation when you are looking at the field point size chart. 

Luckily for customers, most manufacturers developed standard arrow sizes. It means that field points will also be more or less standard sizes to fit arrow shafts. That being said, depending on the purpose you will use the arrow, for instance, hunting will have a smaller shaft diameter to penetrate into wind and animal skin and vitals. You will need to match the size of your points to the shaft of your arrows to get the maximum of them.

Tip: Don't be shy to ask questions about this subject, having the right setup will be day and night when you shoot.

 

How to determine the right field point size diameter for my arrows?

First thing first, you must know that the diameter of the field point is not the diameter of the screw-in portion which is universal and will fit most inserts. The numbers you see in the selection menus of websites are the Field point head diameter. The section outside the shaft should be aligned with the total size of the arrow shaft.

There are two main categories concerning field points. The Screw-in or the Glued-in inserts. There is also glued-on but are more dedicated to traditional archers shooting wood shafts with a 5-degree tapered end.

That being said, let's have a look at the different type of field points you should encounter on the market.

Screw-in Field Points

Screw-in field points need glued-in threaded inserts to allow you to screw-in the threaded field point. The inserts should be glued-in for maximum stability. There are many great tutorials on the web that show how to do it. The steps are easy to follow and that way you are reducing the chance to lose the points into any kind of target.

The screw-in points are mostly recommended for recreational archers, bowhunters, and some 3-D archers. They allow archers to quickly and easily change points for different purposes. For instance, hunters who would like to practice with their hunting arrows can easily screw in a matched-weight field point to minimize damage to your target and to protect the blades of your broadheads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screw-in points come mainly in two different shapes that essentially boil down to narrow-tipped and bullet-shaped points. The narrow-tipped points offer better target penetration and greater precision in how and where they enter a target. The most common points used by archers. The bullet-shaped points offer the greatest durability and increase the FOC ( front of center) of your arrows. This means an increased momentum and consistent flight trajectory.

Field points come in a large spectrum of weights. Usually in-between 75 to 150 grains. Lighter weight for extra speed and heavier for more momentum. According to me and arguably the most important, the momentum should be considered more over the speed for many reasons (consistency, better FOC, increased arrow penetration and straighter arrow flight).

Here comes what probably cause the confusion about the field points. The points come in many sizes and the only way to select the right size is to know the shaft size of the arrows purchased. Fortunately, field point chart exists to give you a good idea of what you should look because unfortunately, each arrow brand has their own shaft size making harder for customers to select the right field point size. 

That said, the insert end of the point should flow nearly seamlessly into the arrow shaft. What happens if you are; 

Buying bigger than the arrow shaft: If the point is wider then the shaft, it may cause the point to hang up inside a target when you try to pull out the arrow.

Buying smaller than the arrow shaft: For the same reason if the point is skinnier then the shaft, it may cause friction with the target when the arrow hit the surface. The outside diameter won't enter as smoothly as it should causing damage to the shaft and the target.

Some inserts are typically made for specific field points but in rare cases. Many arrow Brands offers already fletched and pre-installed inserts with the right size of field points. I would recommend buying that kind of arrows if you are a beginner in archery. Otherwise, I would give you this tip; always double check with a field point size chart or contact the dealer to make sure you selected the right size. 

 

Glued-on Field Points

Glued-in field points are glued in place as the name suggest it into hollow carbon or aluminum shafts. Don't make the mistake to use fix liquid glue (quick-set glue) when you install your field points. You never know when you will have to tune your arrows because you want to change your setup. Using hot-melt adhesive is the best choice. That way, to make an adjustment to your arrows, you can heat the points causing the glue to soften, making the removal of the points easier from the shafts.

The fact that there are lots of options with this kind of field-tip, they are favored by competitive target archers. They are available in large-diameter and small-diameter shafts.

The larger diameter is usually favored by indoor and 3D archers while the smaller diameter is favored by outdoor archers, who are confronted with the wind at long distances. They are usually bullet shaped for superior aerodynamics.

 As for the larger diameter shafts, the glued-in points come in a few shapes:

The classic with long, sharp pinpoints designed to enter a target straight. This type is favored by 3D archery, where several archers shoot at the same place. The long tapered point allows an arrow to sneak up into a tiny space between arrows. 

There are also bullet-shaped points, which offer the best durability. 

Finally, there is a hybrid point shaped more like a missile. These offer archers a medium in performance between the pinpoints and the bullet points.

 

What field point weight should I pick? 

That will be greatly influenced by the purpose of your bow setup. It is then a difficult question to answer on the spot without knowing your bow setup. One thing is certain, heavier is better than lighter. Physics teaches us that speed and momentum are inseparable. What you gain in speed, you lost it in momentum and vice-versa. My advice is, there is no point to get to the target if you can penetrate it properly. It means that I would prefer heavier field points over lighter to increase the momentum of my arrows. Plus, nowadays bows offer so much velocity that the difference wouldn't really matter if you sacrifice some speed. However, the opposite might cause penetration issue resulting in inefficient shots.

Furthermore, by getting heavier points, you are moving the FOC (front of center weight) of your arrows in a more forward position making your vanes do what they are meant for which is stabilizing the arrow trajectory.

For Hunters, it is crucial to practice with the exact same field point weight as your broadheads weight. 

 

What shape of field points should I select?

I would say, the discipline of archery you pick will determine the shape of the field point you should select. The selection still yours but below is what I suggest.

A little reminder:

Screw-in field points

• Pinpoints shape: Recreational archers, bowhunter, and some 3D archers, superior aerodynamics for tiny space placements.
• Bullet shape: Recreational archers, bowhunter, and some 3D archers, better durability.

Glued-in field points

• Pinpoints shape: Recreational archers, 3D archers, Field archery
• Bullet shape: Recreational archers, 3D archers
• Hybrid shape: Recreational archers, 3D archers

Remember that the closest your alignment of field point and arrow shaft is the better the efficiency of your arrows will be.

 

Field Point Size Chart

Gathering as much information about field points is the right move to do before going any further. Selecting field points isn't too hard when you clarify the purpose of your arrows and when you define you bow setup.

The following chart is more a guideline to what size you should look for when you are buying specific types of arrows. I built the chart by Brands and arrow spine. 

Field Point Recommendation According to Arrow Brand and Shaft Size
Arrow Brands	Shaft Size	Field Point Sizes Recommended
Cabela’s®
·       Instinct™ ACComplice™	340, 390	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
·       Outfitter	340, 400	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
·       Stalker Xtreme™	340, 400,500	19/64, 5/16, 20/64
·       Carbon Hunter	340,400	19/64, 5/16, 20/64
Carbon Express®
·       Maxima® Red™, Hunter, Blue Streak®	250/350	19/64, 5/16, 20/64
·       Mayhem™	150,	18/64, 9/32, 19/64
	250,350	19/64, 5/16, 20/64
·       PileDriver™	250,350	19/64, 5/16, 20/64
·       Hot Pursuit®	150	18/64, 9/32, 20/64
Gold Tip™
·       Pro, XT, Expedition Hunter, Traditional,	340, 400, 500, 600	19/64, 5/16, 20/64
·       Velocity Pro, XT, Expedition	300, 400, 500	19/64, 5/16, 20/64
·       Kinetic XT, Hunter	200, 300,340, 400, 500	9/32, 18/64
Easton®
·       Carbon Injexion™, Deep Six™ Full Metal Jacket™ Deep Six		Deep Six Only
·       Full Metal Jacket™	340,	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
	400, 500	17/64
·       Axis®	300, 340	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
	400, 500	17/64
·       Bowfire™	330, 400	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
·       Nemesis™	340, 400	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
·       Da’Torch™	330, 400	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
·       Bloodline™	330, 400	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
·       Aluminum	17xx	17/64
	18xx	9/32, 18/64
	19xx	19/64
	20xx	5/16, 20/64
	21xx	21/64
	22xx	11/32, 22/64
Beman®
·       Bone Collector™	340, 400	17/64, 9/32, 18/64
·       ICS	340, 400, 500	17/64, 9/32, 18/64

 

Conclusion

Small details make sometimes a huge difference. Field points are one of them, such a small item but will have a major impact on the precision of your shots. Field point size charts are there to guide you throught the massive selection of points on the market. 

Selecting the proper point is possible if you determine the right purpose of your arrows that match your bow setup. 

Do not hesitate to ask any question or leave any comments below about this article. 

Have a nice Hunt!